How does your school or teachers connect students to the reef to promote CARE?
Have displays and nature positive messaging in the classroom/ school
Teach conservation and respect for the environment, the world's oceans and its interconnected ecosystems (i.e. coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass beds)
Students can list how their own actions can positively or negatively impact reef related ecosystems.
Make connections with First Nation Peoples and their connection to land and sea
Students make connections with their country's or local indigenous/native culture and history about the reef
Students reflect on their own connection to the reef and marine ecosystems
Which Reef Guardian School Program curriculum resources were used to help students LEARN?
Reef Guardian School videos or webinars
Environmental days (World Ocean Day, Plastic Free July, Walk to School days, National Recycle week).
Eco challenge
REEFlection unit
Reef Guardian activities embedded into school work programs.
Which Reef Authority resources were used to help students LEARN?
Reef Authority Educational Videos (i.e. Classification of Reef Creatures, Great Barrier Reef Aquarium YouTube channel, Reef Authority Youtube channel)
GBRMPA elibrary- journals and various documents
Which LEARN topics were covered this year?
Climate change
Responsible reef practices and marine life and boating dangers
Water quality
Marine debris
Target animals (e.g. turtles)
Conservation
The Great Barrier Reef
ACT Marine Debris
Litter reduction in school (i.e. clean up proactive program)
Drain stencilling (e.g. positive nature messaging)
Litter free lunches (i.e. plastic free lunch)
Education on assembly, newsletters and posters (i.e. educate school community with a talk at assembly, newsletters and posters)
Litter surveys and data gathering (data can be entered into Tangaroa Blue website)
ACT Reducing waste and recycling
Bringing waste free lunches to school
Plastic straw removal or drinks with plastic straws
Make recyclable/reusable bags
Compost Bins
Worm Farms
Recycling program (i.e. start a recycling program at your school)
ACT Reducing energy
Using/installing solar
Encourage students to turn off electrical equipment when not in use (i.e. lights, fans,)
Carbon reduction or carbon credit scheme
ACT Engage in a community/school challenge
In-school challenge (i.e. environmental education challenge in school)
Celebrate Environmental days (i.e. World Ocean Day, Plastic Free July, Walk to School days, National Recycle Week etc).
ACT Citizen Science Projects
Tangaroa Blue Australian Marine Debris Initiative
How did you SHARE your achievements, messaging or achievements?
Use the Reef Guardian Online Portal or Closed Facebook group to share your achievements or connect with other Reef Guardian Schools (i.e. photos, resources, organizing an interschool event)
Family/community participation in ‘school led’ environmental activity/project
Publicise within the school community (e.g. assembly, newsletters, social media)
Share learning environmental experiences/resources with other schools
How did you SHARE Reef Guardian School Program membership?
Display RGS Digital sign
Acquire a Reef Guardian sun shirt and share a picture of your club or leadership program in the Reef Guardian Portal
Reward Reef Guardians with environmental leader awards
Recruit other teachers to the RGS Program.
On share information via social media or word of mouth
How did your school Care, Learn, Act and Share to promote the next generation of reef STEWARDs?
Significantly enhance a local water way with tree planting and ongoing monitoring
Complete at least one action from Care, Learn, Act and Share
Significantly decrease carbon footprint
Significantly increase opportunities for students to Connect, Care, Learn, take actions and share achievements.
Be an active Reef Guardian School by completing an annual action plan 2 years in a row
Be an active Reef Guardian School by completing an annual action plan >3 years in a row